One number is 4 more than 3 times another if the sum of the two numbers is 24 find the numbers?

Let's translate this math problem into 2 equations.

"One number is 4 more than 3 times another."

Let's call our first number A. Our second number will be B.

A = 3B + 4 (3 times the 2nd number, and then "4 more")

"The sum of the two numbers is 24."

A + B = 24.

Now we can use our 2 equations to find out exactly what each number is!

We'll use a method called substitution to help us.

We already know what A is, in terms of B. (A = 3B +4)

Substitute 3B +4, with parenthesis, wherever you see A in the 2nd equation.

A + B = 24

(3B + 4) + B = 24

Now simplify.

4B + 4 = 24

4B = 20

B = 5.

Our 2nd number, which we called B, is 5.

Use substitution again to find out what A is. Use the 1st equation, since it already tells us what A is, by using B.

A = 3B + 4

A = 3(5) + 4

A = 15 + 4

A = 19.

To check, substitute A = 19 and B = 5 into either equation, preferably both!

A = 3B + 4

19 = 3(5) + 4

19 = 15 + 4

19 = 19 (check)

A + B = 24

19 + 5 = 24

24 = 24 (check)